Tom and Nancy Crawford Tom and Nancy define a transition period in the club's history between the very early years, and the arrival of Larry Meredith and Alec Isabeau. Tom was principal at several elementary schools and went on to get elected as Superintendent of Schools, a post he is only just retiring from (2002). At the time he and Nancy were presidents, they became very involved in Ultra running. Indeed, Tom was one of the first to make a run across Death Valley to Mt Whitney, still an annual event, and one he helped make famous. He wanted to move the club in that direction, but there was opposition, and he stepped down as president. John Anderson stepped forward to take over, and Tom and Nancy continued to be very involved in Ultra running for years, but no longer with Empire Runners.